My Clothes from Alone

I discuss my clothes from Vancouver Island and what worked and what didn't, plus contact information for the lady who makes my wool pullovers.
Gail Anderson [e-mail] 715-428-2329
/ larryrobertsbacktobasics
/ maninthestix

[@captbizzarro3141]

This video was great because it's an actual review of which clothing worked and which ones had flaws. It incorporated long term actual wear. It was not your typical tabletop review. Tried and tested by someone who just doesn't talk the talk but walks the walk. Just wrote Gail for information. Great looking sweater/pullover indeed. Thanks for your time in sharing the info.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Thanks! Yes, I was able to use some of this stuff before I went out, but the constant use for over two months really showed me what was good and what wasn't. Most folks it would take years to get that many days and nights in the woods, so it really expedited the reviewing process so to speak.

[@GaerHampton]

I have the same wool pants and shirt and love them! I love them so much that I tracked down a few more of each to have when my original set wears out (which I got over 20 years ago). It's hard to believe that those garments are 60-something years old. In a few weeks I'm heading up into the mountains in Colorado where it will basically be early winter, and I'll be wearing my Korean War wool!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

I’ve had mine for awhile too. I am also amazed at how long they’ve held up.

[@chhr25]

Larry, I liked what you said about the wool hat and shirts you got from Primitive Spirit LLC. I contacted Gail and discussed one for me. I ordered a gray hooded one. It fits perfectly, and no surprise either. She asked for many measurements, for my preferred fit, choice of features, and of intended method of uses. I went for a medium weight Faribault mills blanket wool, of which she gave me choice from eight or more types she had on hand already. Very impressed. Thank you for recommending her to us, and many thanks to Gail Anderson as well. Superb fit, finish, quality - and at a bargain.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Awesome! I love hearing about how folks like her stuff. I was really impressed when I got my first one from her and she continues to make improvements on them. Thanks for the feedback.

[@chhr25]

Larry, We've just become a repeat and happy customer of Gail Anderson (of Primitive Spirit.) She made us a fantastic winter scarf of the same black Merino wool that your shirt was made from, plus another hat of the same material. I couldn't be happier with the pieces and their quality. I think we're gonna get a hooded merino shirt next too. Just wanted to thank you again for your efforts at helping us folks find more pleasure in the outdoors and in wilderness living.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Awesome! Great to hear!

[@8626John]

I have to tell you that I am just now watching the Mongolian Alone series and your battle with the mice. I laughed out loud when you hit them with the bear spray and the air horn. I know you don't win, but you are easily one of my favorite contestants on Alone.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Ha! Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the mouse battles. :)

[@8626John]

@@LarryRobertsbc I hate the little bastards. We get them in the house, and I drowned one in the dog's water dish after it did a perfect swan dive off the counter and landed in the middle of the bowl.

[@EatCarbs]

Great video Larry.. I might have to look into those wool clothes. Thanks for the video

[@LarryRobertsbc]

You bet man, thanks. Take a break from buying another knife and get a wool shirt. lol

[@Ddabig40mac]

I like the something in reserve thinking/planning. Those wool shirts look awesome!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

I've been in a situation where I had nothing in reserve and it sucks. I learned that one early on, it doesn't always work out that way but I try. Thanks!

[@halloausdusseldorf]

Thank you for the video, Larry! Even the hiss of the trees in the background is so soothing!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

You bet, and thanks!

[@sierratwozero7613]

Larry, Outstanding review of the gear you took to the island. Direct feedback by the user from the extended use in the field is the only true measure of the gear. Thanks!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Thank you for watching. I figure I was able to experience something very few folks get to and I think I learned some valuable information so I'd like to share it.

[@Roarmeister2]

Very good point about the calorie effect on long term living outdoors. I mentioned this to others that the lack of calories would make it difficult to generate enough internal heat to stay warm therefore the thicker/heavier more insulative clothing you have means you don't have to use as many calories to stay warm. We tend to think in terms of camping trips of a few days or a week where we don't see the effect of long term caloric deficiency on our bodies.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

It was enlightening for me that's for sure. I knew the lack of calories would have an affect in this area, but experiencing it first hand was a valuable lesson.

[@Roarmeister2]

A cheaper version of the boreal shirt/anorak is from Boreal Bushcraft Canada. They have softer, less itchy and slightly heavier wool, the sewing is first rate and the price is $249 CDN which is quite a bit cheaper than the $280 US. I saw a review which stacked it up against the LR boreal shirt and it was slightly warmer and more wind resistant but without the additional pocket dividers in the front pocket.

[@kramrentip7528]

Fantastic vid, brother! Thanks for sharing, and most importantly matching while in the bush! Mark

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Thanks! I don't always match, but when I do no one can see me cause I'm in earth tones or camo. lol

[@poppopscarvinshop]

Thanks Larry! Living near Atlanta, our winters are like a Balmy Beach Vacation compared to Minnesota winters, but I have screwed up nerves in my hands that makes them feel ice cold even in 70 - 75 degree weather. They are also Very Painful when they "get cold". So, I'm going to get in contact with Gail about some mittens - lighter duty for now through mid-fall, and Heavy Duty for winter. Thanks Again, I Think This Will Help Me A Bunch!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

I hope it does James, let me know how you like them.

[@LTWrightKnives]

Great review, Larry! Thanks for sharing. Those wool clothes are really nice!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Thanks!! Yep, I love my wool.

[@NomadicWoodsman]

Those are some nice shirts ! Thanks for another great insight video. Can't wait for your fire one and food one. Cheers !

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Thanks! I have a few videos in mind, it might take me awhile, but I'll get them done.

[@seanantill3366]

the pvc rain gear is what I wear primary especially for work up here because it is waterproof and it'll rain for day's on end up here also good under garments are important because it will through conduction chill you especially upper body

[@LarryRobertsbc]

I agree, it chills you pretty dang fast.

[@saphre1964]

Pretty sure that beautiful wool fabric is from an old USMA [West Point] issued blanket! Go ARMY!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Nice!

[@aarontitus4288]

I am also pretty sure that looks just like my old grey blanket from West Point!

[@seanantill3366]

awesome video Larry thanks for sharing I'm really looking forward to testing my boreal shirt this winter I hope it's a good one

[@LarryRobertsbc]

I love mine. Thanks Sean.

[@jacket14]

Thanks to your video I just received my wool anorak from Gail- what craftsmanship-just a great person to do business with. Also purchased wool Wigwam socks from her @ a great price. Thanks again Larry for your review on Gails products.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Awesome!

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

really goes to show you how important clothes selection really is.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Yes indeed. Very important.

[@user-jw8pj9gr5o]

Great video Larry. Lots of good valuable information. Always wanted a nice thick wool pullover for ice fishing. Will definitely keep Gail in mind when i am in the market. Thanks.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

You bet, thank you. You won't be disappointed in her work that's for sure.

[@BrianWest58]

Great info, Larry. Yeah, Goretex can be over estimated. It does tend to be compromised at the saturation point.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Yes it does. Not many folks realize that. It's ok for normal use, but constant rain with no place to dry off in I want something else. Thanks!

[@survivewithout]

I'm so glad you did this video. I would love to pick up one of her wool caps for sure and maybe a pull over. I'll be checking with Santa ;-). Lol

[@LarryRobertsbc]

HA! You better get at least a hat. I love mine. :)

[@brianspencer4220]

Thanks Larry: really useful information. Brian 76

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Glad you liked it.

[@mountaineer5596]

ECWCS stands for “Extended” Cold Weather Clothing System not “extreme” .

[@StonnieDennis]

Thank you!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

You bet, thank you for watching.

[@jeffbuzzard6837]

Good video, I really like that green and black wool pullover, I may check those out.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Thanks! If you get one you won't be sorry. Gail makes some good stuff.

[@bugoutbasics1070]

Thanks for sharing. I need to get new wool clothing.

[@EDCAdventures1991]

Good stuff. Definitely need to get one of those wool shirts

[@GunTech]

Proper. Some of this has seeped into proper survival games like The Long Dark. It's a task to keep up with the latest functional clothing - as long as you think in layers of evaporation, isolation, rejection (OR absorption/drying!), you will buy the right gear. Fjallraven usually has their head in the right place about ALL of this.

[@Marco2710x]

Thanks for that Video, I'm just searchingfor new Gear.

[@8626John]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Is Gail still in business? I know it's been a few years since you posted this. Thanks.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Yea, as far as I know she is still in business. She is great!

[@8626John]

@@LarryRobertsbc Thanks very much! I love good wool clothing.

[@viper071]

IT'S ECWS = Extreme Cold Weather System, there is a set of outer, inner and base layers that together make up the system, you had only one part, so no, it isn't any good for cold weather, just wet.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

It wasn’t even that good for wet. Lol ;)

[@tn.timbushcraft6850]

Thanks for another very informative video bro.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

You bet man, thanks!

[@kenmarapese9085]

Nice vid, cool shirts, liked them.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Thanks!

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

Wow you look like a gentleman being clean shaven. Colder I'm sure in the winter having a naked face as a bearded man would say. The beard gone took 20 years off your age. Maybe the stores that sell all the products you reviewed and used for Alone show will send you replacements for doing their product. If some of them already didn't do before the show. I love the sweater at 12:50 and your T-shirt.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

At some point I’ll go back to clean shaven, but not right now. So far I haven’t had many folks sponsor me, but I’ve had a couple.

[@DougFenrich]

I tell that to people (mostly girls) that you need to take your coat OFF in the House. "They say no, I'm Cold" LOL

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

Thank you for this.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

You bet, thanks for watching.

[@daverosa3222]

thanks man. i am in need of some wool garments. i will be contacting her.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

She is awesome!

[@heyoldtime8969]

Larry if you see a swarm of moths run like hell !!!

[@LarryRobertsbc]

LOL!

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

I've been in the market for a new ultralight rain jacket for ages. I see you figured out the Pacific Northwet. I need bomb proof waterproof jacket for the fall and winter months here when it rains all the time. My rubberized one is bomb proof. All the ultralight ones I found are not bomb proof. I hope Zpacks jacket is. 14 oz is too heavy for hiking, but I stay bone dry in it. I'm not a fan of Gortex. Too heavy and not nearly waterproof enough.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

I agree with all you said. Maybe use the plastic cheap ones they sell at walmart or similar and just treat them as almost disposable? I bet you could get almost a season out of them depending on what your walking thru. Maybe a little duct tape for repairs till next season and you get another set.

[@hemlockravine8627]

Clothing, the most important tool to survivalists, good video Larry. I love wool and I’m not a fan of the new stuff, synthetic fibers/polyester. Stick with the military clothing since it’s built to last.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Thank you! Love my wool.

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

you should check out Boreal Mountain Anoraks wool anorak.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

I just did. Now you go check out Gail's stuff and see which one fits your budget better. ;) That one you showed is like the boreal shirt from empire wool and canvas and I love mine, but they are pricy.

[@bridgerwy5474]

Larry, which is warmer the LR Boreal shirt or Gail’s hooded wool shirt?

[@LarryRobertsbc]

That’s a tough question, but I’d say the Boreal. The only reason I say that is because it has a few more bells and whistles on it that allow you to really cinch it up and block out more wind. It’s way more expensive though.

[@shellymusgrove3328]

Muck, Artic Pro.... are they waterproof... for women too?

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Yes, they are waterproof. They do have women’s styles too, but I’m not sure if they have a specific women’s Artic pro

[@shellymusgrove3328]

Larry Roberts thank you. 🙏🏻

[@chrisvandergriff]

Was there a rule on fires that caused everyone to constantly be starting fires versus maintaining one constantly?

[@LarryRobertsbc]

No rules at all about that. I was not cold enough for an all night fire. I didn't want to collect that much wood. I had a fire for the most part twice a day. That was enough for me.

[@chrisvandergriff]

Larry Roberts Thank you for your clarification. Keep up the good work. I'm enjoying the channel.

[@pepperoniexpress7904]

dude... we need more rage, like in the show give us rage

[@LarryRobertsbc]

SHUT UP!!! STUPID COMMENT!! GRRRRR! How is that? The tv showed the drama, I'm showing the facts. Maybe I do need some rage though, my views aren't that great. lol

[@pepperoniexpress7904]

needs more bleeping, but it will do. Try to mix up the content, do some gear reviews... maybe some "survival" or bushcraft stuff. If you go out for a couple of days, build a shelter and try to film it like you did in the show. People watch that. Work a bit in the thumbnails and the intro... The views will come, don`t worry man! but sometimes you have to try out a new format or new proyects

[@LarryRobertsbc]

I hear you. Of course I already have a lot of that stuff on my channel. Lots of outings, lots of survival stuff, bushcraft stuff, gear reviews, all that. My channel is what it is, its not like I'm quitting my day job anytime soon.

[@pepperoniexpress7904]

+Larry Roberts as long as you keep enjoying what you do!

[@Running_towards_adventure]

Larry what kind of commando sweater were you wearing towards the end of the season? It was a green one I think but what brand was it?

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Just a cheap military surplus sweater, I don't remember the name.

[@Running_towards_adventure]

+Larry Roberts thanks Larry!

[@fearthespear4242]

how bout them mice larry

[@LarryRobertsbc]

What mice? Them seem to have all been eaten...

[@ericchen7716]

Underwear?

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Long under ware, merino wool. Or were you being a smarty pants?

[@ericchen7716]

Serious question. Why that choice over cotton, synthetic, eg, polypro, boxers or briefs, etc?

[@LarryRobertsbc]

They let us take long under ware so I took it. I rarely wear them unless it is bitter cold, and I took all my wool so I thought I'd be good with a thin set like I took. I was good, warm enough and all, but knowing now how the lack of calories affected my thermoregulation I would take a thick pair of polypro. Other under ware is personal choice or preference.

[@indianaratman]

cool get to grow a new beard